Dear Friends in Christ,
The Memorial Day Weekend affords us the opportunity to reflect upon those who have given their lives in service and protection of our beloved United States of America. Further in this bulletin is a listing of names of Veterans and Active Duty Military who have proudly served our country. Our parish community honors you this weekend in a special way with our prayers of thanksgiving for your courage and also prayers for your protection and safety. Thank you for serving our nation!
Graduation season is well under way! Earlier this month colleges and universities honored their graduates. My niece graduated from Virginia Tech last weekend and is going to begin her career in Hospitality Management next month. Our local high schools began their Commencement ceremonies this past week and will continue on Tuesday and beyond. The graduation celebration for our own parish school, Annunciation Catholic Academy, is this upcoming Friday, May 30 at 6pm in the Church. All are invited to attend to wish them well and offer prayers as they transition to high school. I would like to take the opportunity to congratulate all who are graduating at all levels and assure you of my thoughts and prayers. May you have the grace of reflecting on history with gratitude and on the future with hope!
As this weekend begins the unofficial start of summer (which is obvious as the temperature rises above 90 degrees!), I hope that you will be faithful to attending Mass if you are out of town on vacation. Please remember that we never take a vacation from God! Attending Mass in another place helps to enrich our faith experience and also allows us to grow in appreciation for our spiritual home here at Annunciation Catholic Church. If you are looking for a parish and the Mass times while you are away, please visit www.masstimes.org. I also like to look through bulletins from other parishes, so please remember to bring one back from your time away!
When you come before the Lord this week, please whisper my name to the Almighty. Know that I will pray for you, your loved ones and your intentions. Please pray that I can be the Pastor that you and our spiritual family needs. We may not see each other each day but may we meet each day in our prayers.
In Christ,
Very Rev. Stephen D. Parkes, V.F.
Pastor